Southern Ladies Evening Bowling League

The results service for the Southern Ladies Evening Bowling League

Rules:
League rules

This season:
League table
Leading averages

Welcome to the Southern Ladies Evening Bowling League which was originally formed at the Shell Bowling Club [Carrington] - now extinct.

Prior to its formation, teams of ladies played on a friendly basis from Chorlton, Hale, Timperley, Northenden and Flixton, hence its title.

December 1980 gave birth to this league with 6 teams - it now comprises 8.  Competition and enthusiasm throughout the season is excellent - ie Matches, Knockout cups, Pairs and Merit etc.

New members welcome to all teams.  For more information, contact the secretaries Anne Wills and Chris Merrell.

Averages

Knock Out Cup Final

Pairs

Merit

AGM

Averages

The Averages Final this year was held at Flixton Cons on 5 September.  JIll and her team put on a delightful spread of home baking.  A thank you to Lilian and Linda who worked relentlessly to look after everybody's needs.  

A thank you to Jill Wild who was of enormous help to me.

It was a good day and although not well supported, there was a good atmosphere.  Some very exciting and close games in the first round - Margaret Procter beating Avril Mather 21-18 and Kate Angel beating Christine Sleigh also 21-18.  Both these games could have gone either way. 

Reaching the semi-finals were Joanne Balmforth ad Margaret Procter 21-10 (both Bowling Green players), Margaret always there 'knocking on the door' but Joanne not giving her any leeway, and Kate Angel and Jackie Goodwin 21-18 (Golden Hill and Urmston Sports), this was quite an exciting game as good as any final I have seen and again could have gone either way.  

This left Joanne and Kate to battle it out in what was a tough game but Joanne finally beat Kate 21-9 - the score did not reflect play.  Congratulations to both ladies.

And finally, thank you Anne for walking the green.

Irene Hardy - Competition Secretary

Knock Out Cup Final

The Final of the Knockout-Out was held on 12 September and hosted by Flixton Ex.   Rose and her team put on a surprise spread, which was not expected but much appreciated - we expected tea and biscuits which is the norm for this event, so thank you Rose it was lovely. 

It was a great afternoon and well supported which gave the afternoon a lovely atmosphere. 

The two teams facing each other in battle were Golden Hill (15) and Urmston Sports (25).  It was an extremely exciting game with lots of 'oohs and aahs'.  The winners after two hours play were Urmston Sports winning 157 to Golden Hill's 137 - a difference of 20 chalks.  Many contratulations to both teams i reaching the Final.

Thank you again to Rose and her Team. 

Irene Hardy, Competition Secretary.

Pairs

The Pairs was hosted as a final gesture from Flixton Cricket on Saturday, 25 July 2026 with an entry of eleven pairs. 

Lynda Webb, who wasn't bowling, asked if I needed any help and I usually say 'I'm fine' to anyone who asks! (I am an independent person as some of you will know), but as the electrics tripped and then the urn packed in, on this occasion I was more than delighted to accept her kind offer and she worked relentlessly.  So thank you Lynda.  

We had a pleasant day weatherwise with no expected rain (the odd drop) - a good day for bowling -  but turned very cold later on.

The players coped well with a grassless green but with some frustration when their block disappeared into the gutter!!! But there was some really good bowling, and a lot of laughter when a bowl went anywhere but where it should. 

Reaching the semi finals were Rose Sinderbury and Irene Walker beating Beryl Bray and Ellie Wallace 21-12.  It was always refreshing to see a younger player entering these comps and Ellie is certainly a force to be dealt with. The other semi-finalists were Margaret Procter and Jay Clarke (21) and Anne Wills and Vivienne Marchment (8). 

The final was very exciting between Rose/Irene and Margaret/Jay.  Rose and Irene were holding four bowls on two occasions and three on another end only to have them snatched away by Jay's last bowl.  Rose was quiet - at least I didn't hear her say anything!! but at 10-12 down two 4's were scored making 18.  They lost the next end but snatched it back and held on beating Margaret and Jay 21-13.  A lovely game ladies and congratulations to all.  Thought I would mention, Rose and Irene were at the gate waiting for it to be unlocked when I arrived just after 9 am - now that's what you call keen!

Irene Hardy, Competition Secretary

Merit

The Merit Competition was hosted by The Bowling Green on Saturday, 13 June.  Margaret and her team were already busy when we arrived.  Everyone enjoyed an excellent buffet and made small work of the scones and delicious cakes.  There was also a very good raffle.  The only disappointing factor was lack of entries - 18 - (down on last year) and attendance and support were extremely poor.  As I have said before the host greens welcome the opportunity to boost income for their Club when hosting competitions.  

Not a good day weather-wise - a very cold and blustery wind which didn't help the bowling but on the positive side no rain and bowlers are very hardy (excuse the pun!)

I was pleased to see and admire two new bowlers who had entered from Northenden and the Bowling Green namely, Shirley Ashworth and Emma Sneyd and wish them well. 

There were some excellent tight games on a very tricky green.  In the Quarter Finals Chris Merrell v Julie Thompson 21/20, Joanne Balmforth v Megan Scotchford 21/12, Margaret Proctor v Sheila Reynolds 21/17 and Grace McCallum v Linda Webb 21/15.  

Semi Finalists were Chris Merrell v Joanne Balmforth 21/16 and Margaret Procter v Grace McCallum 21/16.  Congratulations to both Chris and Margaret for reaching the Final and who battled it out for the Cup but Margaret was determined to hang on to the trophy she won last year and beat Chris 21/8. Congratulations Margaret. 

Everyone played exremely well in this Competition and congratulations to all who entered. 

All of the scores and participants can now be seen under 'Merit' on the website.  

And a thank you to the Bowling Green.

IRENE HARDY - COMPETITION SECRETARY 

AGM

The Annual General Meeting and Presentation will be held on Friday 23rd October 2026 at Flixton Cricket Club, commencing at 7.30 p.m.